MURAN’GA COUNTY: A multimillion street lighting programme to turn Murang’a town a 24-hour economy has been commissioned.
The programme, to be rolled out in all market and trading centres, will also help in fighting crime and expand the business operating hours. as it is now, traders close shop as early as 9pm for security reasons.
Launching the Sh3.5 million project Monday, Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria said the programme will give the town a facelift and expand business opportunities.
Over the years, the defunct Municipal Council of Murang’a had been promising locals of the streetlight programme, which was never achieved.
The Governor, who was backed by his deputy Gakure Monyo, said several initiatives will be launched in the county to attract more investors and visitors.
He said the lighting programme will be expanded to Kenol market before rolled out to other major markets.
“As a county government, will are ready to lit up all market centres to ensure security of our people and give them an enabling environment to do their businesses,” said the Governor
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
At the same time, the Governor warned local politicians against politics of hatred as they will undermine development projects.
Mr Wa Iria said some counties have lagged behind after a section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) embarked on political witch-hunt that undermines development.
“In Murang’a, we have warned our leaders against playing politics as we have a development agenda, which we must full fill on behalf of our people,” said Wa Iria.
Meanwhile, the county government has suffered a setback after the county assembly forced the withdrawal of three crucial bills related to financial estimates for the 2014/2015 financial year.
The assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee Chairman Joseph Kimani had sought the MCAs support for the three bills, but members rejected them on claims that they were not conversant with them.
County Executive for Finance George Kamau, through the committee, had tabled the three bills seeking approval in connection with Sh6.5 billion estimates.
COUNTY BILLS
The bills that were withdrawn were; the County Budget Review Outlook, Debt Management Strategy Paper and the County Fiscal Strategy.
During the special assembly presided by Deputy Speaker Moses Gachui, members only approved the 2013/2017 County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
After the CIDP was approved, and upon sensing members opposition towards County Debt Management Policy, Mr Gachui pleaded with Mr Kimani to withdraw the bills to save himself from embarrassment.
The members demanded a list of the debts the county government had inherited from the seven defunct local authorities and salary arrears before they could deliberate on the bills.
“From the mood of the House, there is need to have the bills withdrawn, as they can be brought back on the floor of the house on Monday,” said the deputy speaker.
Charles Kirigwi, Mary Waithera, Catherine Mugo led the brigade that opposed the motions saying they lacked information.
“The Assembly cannot be turned to a rubber stamp just to pass motions,” said Ms Waithera
Source-standardmedia.co.ke
Governor Mwangi wa Iria Trying to Catch Up with Alfred Mutua
Governor Mwangi wa Iria Trying to Catch Up with Alfred Mutua
